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Thursday 9th February 2012

Become a STEM Ambassador - Inspire young people in science, technology, engineering and maths


The programme
The STEM Ambassadors Programme enables anyone with science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to inspire young people and demonstrate the possibilities of STEM subjects and careers. The occupations of STEM Ambassadors are very wide ranging including environmental scientists, chemists, civil engineers, marine biologists, medical physicists, pharmacists, apprentices and energy analysts to name but a few. Anyone who uses STEM skills, and is willing and able to excite young people about STEM subjects, can apply to become a STEM Ambassador. The STEM Ambassadors Programme is funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and is already supported by employers in every part of the UK who encourage their staff to become STEM Ambassadors.


What types of activities can STEM Ambassadors do?
Ambassadors are provided with opportunities which fit their own skills and availability and include a wide range of activities such as giving careers talks, helping with projects in after-school STEM clubs or challenge days and judging competitions. They also support and inspire teachers in the classroom and help them update their knowledge of contemporary science, technology and research processes. The variety of activities and the impact they have is huge.  The STEM Ambassadors Programme aims to:
  • Excite young people about STEM
  • Give teachers a unique perspective on how the STEM curriculum can be demonstrated in the world of work
  • Encourage young people to consider STEM careers and qualifications
  • Contribute to improved academic achievement in STEM subjects
  • Develop other employability skills including confidence, team-work, presentation and creativity.


Benefits of being a STEM Ambassador include:
  • Enjoying a sense of achievement
  • Gaining a fresh perspective on day-to-day work when seen through the eyes of students
  • Helping to make a difference in the local community
  • Developing new skills and confidence.


Who can become a STEM Ambassador?
Anyone over the age of 17 with skills or interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and/or Mathematics can register as a STEM Ambassador. The most important qualities in STEM Ambassadors are that they are enthusiastic and positive role models for STEM subjects and associated careers.


How do I become a STEM Ambassador?
  1. Register online at www.stemnet.org.uk and select the sub-region where you are most likely to be able to carry out activities
  2. The relevant STEM Ambassadors Contract Holder will get in touch with you to organise for you to attend a 2-3 hour STEM Ambassadors induction
  3. The STEM Ambassadors Contract Holder will also organise for you to complete an Enhanced CRB Disclosure which normally takes 4-8 weeks to be processed
  4. Once the CRB Disclosure has been processed and approved then you will be a fully approved Ambassador ready to go out into schools and participate in STEM Ambassadors activities
  5. The STEM Ambassadors Contract Holder will provide you with regular updates of opportunities in the local area
  6. All STEM Ambassadors are required to participate in a minimum of one activity a year and record it with your local STEM Ambassadors Contract Holder.
To read the full brochure about becoming a STEM Ambassadors please click here.

For Employers

Just about every company or organisation relies on people with science, technology, engineering or maths (STEM) skills and these people represent a vast array of professions. STEM subjects underpin innovation, creativity and prosperity. Many businesses are keen to play their part in ensuring that young people in schools and colleges get the opportunity to find out for themselves just what an amazing range of careers are open to people who have studied STEM subjects. This is what the STEM Ambassadors Programme can help your organisation to do.

Benefits to employers through supporting the STEM Ambassadors Programme
The STEM Ambassadors Programme is an ideal platform to support your community outreach and CSR activities. Ambassadors from your company can represent the industry and your organisation in a variety of ways. In addition, the programme can help your business to:

  • Challenge stereotypes about the career paths of people with STEM skills and thus encourage new recruits
  • Develop the skills, knowledge and understanding of young people – potential future employees – about how STEM is used in the real world
  • Contribute ideas to teachers about topics and activities to include in the STEM curriculum
  • Tap into the creative thinking of young people
  • Enhance your reputation in the local community
  • Provide career development opportunities for your staff through strengthening communication, planning and presentation skills
  • Motivate, engage and retain staff

To read the full employers guide please click here.

The STEM Ambassadors Programme is coordinated nationally by STEMNET and managed locally by STEMNET’s sub-regional partners.

Visit www.stemnet.org.uk for more information.